Stawell Brass Band looks to boost numbers

By
MARCUS MARROW

Sept. 21, 2012, 8:43 a.m.

STAWELL - Stawell City Brass Band is currently offering scholarships to young musicians seeking to learn new instruments.

Stawell Brass Band looks to boost numbers

Scholarships are being offered by the Stawell Brass Band to provide instrumental tutoring to interested youngsters. The idea is to try and boost membership of the Brass Band. Amelia Kingston is pictured giving instrumental lessons to students Lucy on trumpet and Chantelle on bass. Picture: KERRI KINGSTON

STAWELL - Stawell City Brass Band is currently offering
scholarships to young musicians seeking to learn new instruments.

The band committee approached several businesses and service
clubs throughout Stawell, outlining a proposal to try and boost membership. The
proposal was to conduct free tuition for learners, giving young people who may
not have had an opportunity to learn an instrument in the past, the opportunity
to do so now.

The band was delighted to receive $1000 from the Lions Club
of Stawell and $150 from the Stawell RSL Sub Branch, which allowed the
organisation to get the program up and running.

Committee member Helga Saunders said the program had been
running for around four weeks, with five learners taking part.

"These five students have all won scholarships with the
Stawell Brass Band to get them started in the program," Mrs Saunders said.

"They have all been going very well under the tuition
of Amelia Kingston and the leadership of Kate Riedl."

Stawell Brass Band still has some scholarships available for
learners. Any students who are interested can contact Helga Saunders on 0408 856
602.

Mrs Saunders said the Stawell Brass Band, like all Wimmera
Brass Bands, had been experiencing a steep member decline and the program was
initiated to ensure more young people had the opportunity to become involved.

"We are proud of our band and its achievements that
have provided a fantastic community service for the last 150 years," she
said.

"We have brought music to many people and always
encouraged young and not so young people to take up the challenge of learning
to play an instrument. Because we have offered free tuition for learners and
minimal instrument hire fees, youngsters who may never have had a musical
opportunity were able to have one with us."

Mrs Saunders said in recent years, the band had received
support from educational institutions via their music programs, which in the
past has been quite strong.

An example of this was, in the 1990s, Stawell Secondary
College was helpful in encouraging many young players to join the band.

Mrs Saunders warned that prior to the scholarship program being
launched, the band had no learners and with an ageing existing membership, the
band faced a bleak future.

"In an attempt to remedy this situation, we are
offering lessons to pupils attending local schools, with an understanding that
pupils join the Brass Band once they are able to play," she said.

"We see this as a win-win situation for all involved.
The Brass Band will gain new players, thus ensuring its survival. Sponsors will
connect with and support their community, gaining recognition via press releases
and other publicity associated with the Brass Band.

"Learners will gain musical know how, leading to
self-esteem, not only because of gaining new knowledge, but also by being
chosen for sponsorship by a worthy organisation.

"The band recognises that music is so important to
young minds, helping them in other areas of life as their confidence and self
esteem continues to grow."

Stawell City Brass Band maintains a busy schedule throughout
the Christmas period, playing at anywhere between 10 and 15 functions. Learners
through the program will be able to participate in the play-outs to various
degrees according to Mrs Saunders, further assisting in boosting their
confidence.